Based on true events about the author’s 4-year-old son and his monkey puppet, readers will relate to this values-rich narrative if they have ever had or still have a stuffed animal, puppet, toy, or possession that is precious to them. Find out what happens when Michael realizes he has “too many monkeys!”
Themes include love, gift-giving, generosity, gratitude, family, friendship, sharing, ownership, and collections. The story also reinforces manners, colours, numbers one to six, and stores in the community. The monkeys in the story are “sooo different,” and “just like us,” which welcomes a discussion about diversity (being different and embracing difference), equity (being treated fairly), and inclusion (being accepted and valued).
For ages 3 to 8, repetition and description encourage young children and even the most reluctant readers to read. The bolded, italicized, and CAPITALIZED words along with the punctuation and grammar help to encourage fluency, expressive reading, and confidence.
In the “AFTERWORD,” the author shares the book's creation journey as well as her personal experiences and beliefs about collections, the authorship process, and the importance of research and exploring multiple perspectives.
UNIQUE to this cumulative pattern book is the illustrations are created by the author’s SIX grandchildren, ages 6 to 16. These ILLUSTRATORS, along with the "AFTERWORD,” help to motivate children and adults of all ages to become ARTISTS and ILLUSTRATORS, RESEARCHERS and AUTHORS!
Get ready to INSPIRE, EMPOWER, CREATE, and CELEBRATE!
Note: This book is also available in French-English and in Spanish-English. Stay tuned for BILINGUAL editions in other languages.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Susan Schwartz, Ed.D., as a former teacher, principal, consultant, teacher educator at OISE/University of Toronto, workshop presenter, and author/co-author of books for teachers, she continues to write and share that it's a wonderful thing—as parents, grandparents, and teachers—to encourage learners of ALL ages to write, draw, and share with an audience—to become ARTISTS and ILLUSTRATORS, RESEARCHERS and AUTHORS.
Susan now works as an editor, self-publisher, and coach helping others bring their books to publication—including her daughters' 2023 transformational self-development book, "EMPOWER YOUR ViBE, Igniting Your Passion, Purpose, and Brand to Unleash Your Unstoppable Best Self" by Marnie and Rena Schwartz, and their first four interactive children's books in their "ViBE CONFIDENCE-BUILDING SERIES FOR KIDS, Ages 7 to 12."
Susan is also available for Author Visits at schools and literacy events.
For more information and for BONUS downloadable resources, visit her Linktree at: ssconsulting_author_editor (the link is in the book).
Dr. Susan SchwartzAs a former teacher, principal, teacher educator, presenter, and author/co-author of books for teachers, Susan now enjoys retirement as an involved grandma and a snowbird traveling frequently from Toronto to Florida. She also works as a consultant, coach, editor, and self-publisher helping others bring their books to publication. She continues to love writing and making a difference and is available for Author Visits in schools and at literacy events.
